Women in Hockey: Jackie Jarrell

The NHL is celebrating women in hockey, and every week this season, NHL.com will highlight a woman from each of the 32 teams and the League. Today, a look director of fitness and training, NHL officiating, Jackie Jarrell

Name: Jackie Jarrell

Job title: Director of fitness and training, NHL officiating

Education: Mercyhurst University – Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Medicine & Master’s Degree in Exercise Science

Years of hockey experience (Include on- and off-ice hockey-related experience): 31; On Ice: NCAA Division 1 Hockey Scholarship, Mercyhurst University; 12X Team Canada Inline Hockey World Championships (2X World Champion, 10 World Championship Medals); Off-ice: Director of Fitness & Training NHL (in my first year); Fitness Consultant-NHL Officiating Department (1 Year); Owner of Gold Performance Fitness Training Facility (9 Years); Head Female Instructor OHL Belleville Bulls Hockey Development Team (15 Years)

Describe your job in 2-3 sentences: My role is to work with our officials and medical team with any injuries sustained by referees or linespersons. I work with our officials designing and implementing their fitness training programs both on and off the ice. These fitness regimes are crucial to optimizing their on-ice performance.

What was the first career you dreamed of having as a kid?

To be a professional hockey player and playing in the NHL.

What was your first-ever job, and did it prepare you for the work you do today?

I worked on my family dairy farm, RJ Farms. It certainly prepared me for what I do today. I learned the importance of work ethic, discipline and commitment. These morals and values were transferred to my life as an athlete and now as a professional working in the game of hockey.

Name one person who provided you with career guidance, what advice did they give?

My mom and dad have been huge influencers with my career. They have always supported me and encouraged me to follow my passion with the game of hockey. I feel very fortunate to have had them as role models.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever been given?

If you are willing to put the work in, anything is possible! Follow your passion and do what you love!

What career advice can you give others?

Anything is possible if you are willing to work for it. Believe in yourself, even if others don’t.

What is a quality you admire most in others (personal or professional)?

I really admire good people who work hard and make others around them…